Awards & Recognition

The Lake Oswego Reads program has received a major national honor for its contribution to community excellence.

The 2012 City Livability Awards gave Lake Oswego the designation of "outstanding achievement" for cities with populations under 100,000.

Mayor Jack Hoffman was on hand to accept the award at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday. Back home, library supporters were thrilled about the news of the prestigious national recognition.

Hoffman said, "This award is testament to the dedication and passion of city employees to improve the quality of life for our residents and the quality of the Lake Oswego community. It is a significant award and recognition of the efforts of our library staff and champions of Lake Oswego Reads."

"It speaks well of Lake Oswego that we have been so honored for this community effort," said Bill Baars, director of the Lake Oswego Public Library. "I am continually astounded that what I thought was a simple seed of an idea has blossomed into this incredible garden of activity."

Baars praised all of those who have made Lake Oswego Reads such a resounding success - every reader, library supporter, volunteer, staff member, city and community partners, and program coordinator Cyndie Glazer.

"They all deserve credit for making this possible and creating an environment where a program - and a community - like this can succeed," Baars said.

Glazer, who created Lake Oswego Reads six years ago, said, "I am so very excited! This award is a reflection of the leadership of our community - the mayor, our library director, the Lake Oswego Reads steering committee, the sponsors, and all of our volunteers.

"Last year we touched over 10,000 people through Lake Oswego Reads 'Mink River.' "

Lake Oswego Reads began in 2007 with the goal of bringing the community together with the reading of one book. This simple idea has succeeded so well it was cited by the national awards committee for becoming an integral part of the Lake Oswego community.

The awards were announced by the U.S. Conference of Mayors at its 80th annual meeting June 13 to 16. The awards honor cities that show leadership, creativity and innovation in improving civic life.